Defense Minister: Armed Forces’ Special Operations capabilities assessed against NATO standards
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – The assessment of Albania’s Special Operations Land Task Group (SOLTG), a capability declared by the Albanian Armed Forces to NATO, is under way as part of the “Illyrian Shield 26” military exercise. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, who shared footage from the exercise on Wednesday, said …
Socialists set Nov. 30 deadline for electoral reform, rule out extending committee’s mandate
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – The ruling Socialist Party will not support an extension of the parliamentary committee tasked with electoral reform beyond November 30, Socialist parliamentary group chairman Taulant Balla said on Wednesday, warning that the party would push through the legislation without opposition support if no agreement is …
CEC head hosts EU Ambassador to discuss Albania’s electoral reform, OSCE/ODHIR recommendations
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Electoral reform, the implementation of OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and improvements to Albania’s electoral processes were the focus of talks between Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairman Ilirjan Celibashi and European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Wednesday. In a social media post, Celibashi said …
Albania’s National Folk Ensemble to perform in Scotland for first time in 70 years
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Albania’s National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances is set to perform in Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in its 70-year history, bringing the country’s rich cultural heritage to an international audience. The Albanian artists will present a show entitled “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, …
Berisha: DP ready to back fully open national electoral lists
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Main opposition Democratic Party (DP) supports fully open electoral lists at the national level as part of ongoing discussions on Albania’s electoral reform, party leader Sali Berisha said on Wednesday. Berisha said he favoured the Kosovo electoral model, which allows voters greater freedom to express …
Government allocates 32.2 billion leks for hospital care, plans new facility in Korça
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – The government’s draft 2027 budget allocates 32.2 billion leks for hospital services, targeting around 370,000 patients across Albania’s public hospital network, Health Minister Klodiana Spahiu said on Wednesday. The funding is intended to support five tertiary hospitals, 12 regional hospitals and 23 municipal hospitals as …
Albania earmarks 5.3 billion leks for national farm support scheme in 2027
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Albania’s draft 2027 budget provides increased support for farmers, domestic production, investment and food safety, as the country seeks to modernise its agricultural sector and bring it closer to European Union standards, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said on Wednesday. The ministry has …
SPAK questions Socialist MP Sara Mila over suspected vote-buying in Elbasan
TIRANA, Albania — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) questioned Socialist Party lawmaker Sara Mila on Wednesday, November 11, in connection with an investigation into suspected electoral corruption during the 2025 parliamentary elections. The investigation comes amid allegations that social assistance was selectively distributed to secure votes for the ruling party …
Politics and Pay: Albanian Govt Locks Horns with Judges, Prosecutors
A row over the salaries of judges and prosecutors in Albania has ramifications for the independence of the judiciary, experts say. Original post Here
Albanian PM Edi Rama shares footage from reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared footage on social media from an official reception hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris. Rama attended the event with his wife, Linda Rama, and shared moments from their meeting with Macron and his wife. Earlier, Rama took …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ – The National Gallery of Arts is being completely transformed to modernize its spaces and better preserve and showcase its artistic heritage. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media photos from the construction site, where work is underway to completely transform the premises, as …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ — Light rain is falling across the entire Kukës region, and all national highways remain open to traffic. Prefect of Kukës region Dritan Baji stated to ATA today that, ” Heavy rainfall has triggered rockfalls and debris across several sections of the national highway network.” He …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – The Socialist Party Assembly has got underway today in Lalëzi bay, with a focus on preparations for the upcoming local elections. Socialist Party (SP) General Secretary Blendi Klosi opened today’s meeting, which features a key item on its agenda: the launch of the Socialist Party’s …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/- Shkodër Regional Prefecture reported that heavy rainfall has not caused any residential flooding in the county so far. In Shalë municipal unit, the crews are working to clear debris and reopen roads blocked by the downpour. Meanwhile, in the village of Kamicë, high water levels in …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – During a meeting of the Socialist Party’s (SP) National Assembly, Prime Minister Edi Rama—who also serves as the leader of the Socialist Party— emphasized this defining moment on the country’s road to the EU. According to the prime minister, this is a moment when politics …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – Albania is showcasing its tourism potential at the PHILOXENIA 2026 International Tourism Fair in Thessaloniki from November 13–15. The initiative aims to expand cooperation with international markets and strengthen tourism-related ties with neighboring countries. In this context, General Director of the National Tourism Agency Jola …
Gert Jan Koopman, the European Commission’s Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, discussed Kosovo’s prospects of obtaining EU candidate status. The senior EU enlargement official said he “personally believes” that the EU should begin reviewing Kosovo’s membership application, which was submitted in December 2022. “Personally, I believe it is very …
TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ Students and citizens staged another protest outside the Prime Minister’s Office this afternoon, marking the 167th consecutive day of demonstrations against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. Gathered on the boulevard in front of the building, protesters renewed their call for Rama to step down. The protest is …
TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ – Albanian State Police Director General Skënder Hita met senior Italian police and anti-mafia officials during an official visit to Italy, with talks focusing on strengthening joint efforts against organised crime and criminal networks operating in both countries. Hita and his delegation were received at the …
Regional development priorities, support for strategic investments and new opportunities for economic growth were at the centre of the latest meeting of the Albanian Development Fund’s Board of Directors. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the meeting, alongside Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister …